Calum Johns joins fast food giant McDonald's UK as its Head of CRM, Loyalty, Partnerships And Social
McDonald's UK has appointed Calum Johns as Head of CRM, Loyalty, Partnerships & Social. He joins from Holland & Barrett, where he served as Head of Loyalty. Johns has also worked at Costa Coffee, Subway and InterContinental Hotels Group.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Four weeks into a dream role at a dream brand, and you could say: I’m lovin’ it. Thank you to all my amazing new colleagues and leaders for giving me the warmest of welcomes to the Arches. It’s already feeling like a very special place."
"Early wins: Joined the 5-a-side marketing team (current champions); Sampled a modest portion of the menu; Presented to our leadership team and franchisees; First team social locked and loaded; Very excited for what’s ahead with this team!"
New voice
Earlier this year, McDonald’s UK announced that English actor, producer, and screenwriter Stephen Graham had become the new voice of the brand, taking over from Dexter Fletcher.
According to a press release: “As one of the UK’s most recognisable and distinctive voices, Graham brings strong cultural resonance and everyday relatability. Graham’s selection will strengthen McDonald’s connection with younger audiences while maintaining broad, cross generational appeal in contemporary British culture.”
Graham’s appointment came as McDonald’s focuses on more insight led, culturally relevant storytelling rooted in real moments and fandom. His voice will feature across McDonald’s UK advertising. His first four voiceovers went live on 28th April and are for “McCrispy”, “Big Arch”, and “Breakfast Done Properly”, running across TV and radio.
Hannah Pain, Marketing & Menu Director, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, says: “Stephen brings a rare combination of cultural credibility and everyday warmth that feels perfectly aligned with where McDonald’s is today. As we continue to embrace a more culture first approach, his voice helps us connect with audiences in a way that feels honest, contemporary and familiar, building on the brilliant legacy Dexter created with us over many years.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Restaurant technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
